I'm going to be getting an ATV this fall for hard water pursuits. I will also probably get a blade for snow removal. I've looked at most of the different models/brands and have actually rode Todd's arctic cat and Al's suzuki and liked them both. they have a few dealers here and I was checking out the yamaha's and grizzly's and suzukis the other day. all seem like good rides. I'm still undecided as wether I'll get new or used but will probably go for new :shock: polaris seems to be a popular choice also. I'm looking at around a 450 or 500cc and would like to get most of the creature comforts. What are some features you guys really like and some you wish you had gotten as far as transmission/motor options?

I think yamaha had a big bear model that looked pretty good. thanks for the input Randy

Lupe and I plan on getting one in the next year or two, but we want one like a Ranger where we can sit side by side, we won't be doing any hardcore riding just getting around on the ice and plowing snow.

Ed

Big bear is an awesome machine too Mike! I had one of them before I got my kodiak! Can't go wrong with it in winter cause it is air cooled instead of liquid like the kodiak that takes forever to get warm!

You really can't get a bum product anymore, most of the name brands make good stuff. That said I would find the place with the best service track record, and that I like to deal with the most...If you spend that much on an atv, you want someone who can back it up! (oh yeah and did I mention close to home also?? it always sucks driving 100 miles to get your stuff serviced!!)

I may have to head to Ames or Storm lake. we only have 1 dealer in Ft Dodge I think

Mike, try to test drive as many brands as you can and go from there. Myself, I have a Kawaski Prairie and have no complaints what so ever. You are going to love it when the ice sets in.


Chad

yeah with ice just around the corner, I need to refocus on this task :D

Mike,to me it's like what boat type to buy.The guys that have Lunds think there the best,the guys that have Rangers think there the best,and so on.....

I don't ride a lot like most guys but have had a 4 wheeler going on 3 years now.I use mine for pushing snow and ice fishing.Never been trail riding or any of that type of stuff.

I would look for something you like which includes looks,features,how close the dealer is,etc.

I have a Kawasaki Prairie 360 and couldn't be happier.Always starts,rides great for what I use it for,and I have the camo model so it looks nice.

Best of luck in your search,lots of awesome rides out there.Also one thing to look at is some companies are running like 2.9% percent programs for 2-3 years right now.

Ryan Hale

I have the same quad, Ryan. A Kawasaki Prairie 360 4X4. I love it. Bought it new in 2003 and it has never let me down. And I do trail ride from time to time, but mine gets used most pushing snow and during deer season hauling treestands and dead deer. My only regret is that I wish I would have gotten the 650. My next one will be bigger. But I will keep this 360 since my wife really likes it.

This was my first quad, but I have always owned either Kawasaki or Honda motorcycles. Our local dealer carries Polaris, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. A good friend of mine runs their service department. When I asked him which one I should buy, he wouldn't recommend one over another since they sold all 3 brands. He said he owned Yamaha everything (cycles and quads). But what he did tell me was that Polaris machines come in for warranty service 3 to 1 over Yamaha or Kawasaki. That was all I needed to hear. Since I have always had good luck with the Kawasaki brand, that is the direction I went. I would have no problem getting a Yamaha though. I think they are great machines as well.